Claudie Pierlot Inspired Top

My version is a little different however. I decided to go with a bordeaux viscose (rayon) main fabric and black dotted tulle for the 3/4 sleeves. I used the Sorbetto pattern from Colette Patterns as my base and adjusted the neckline to a boat neck, rather than a ruffled scoop neck. For the sleeve, I used a pattern by The Sew Weekly.

What you will need (for a size 4 Sorbetto):

1m main fabric

50 cm dotted tulle fabric

Thread (in this case, bordeaux and black)

French curve (to adjust your pattern to a boat neck)

Pencil & craft paper, if you are tracing a new pattern, which I did.

I traced my pattern onto craft paper and re-designed the neckline to a boat neck using my French curve. The Sorbetto and sleeve Patterns include seam allowances. The Sorbetto pattern calls for bias tape hem, but instead I created interfacing for the neckline.

For the neckline interfacing, I traced the neckline that I created on the shirt pattern for the curve and made it as wide as the shoulder seams. Be sure to add a seam allowance at both ends (I put a 1cm or 1/2in.) You’ll need 2 of your fabric.

Once you have your pattern pieces, and have traced it onto your folded fabric (be sure to mark your bust darts on the fabric) you can cut out your main fabric pieces. Here, I already sewed the darts.

Sew the shoulder seams and the side seams. I used the the same seam allowance as the Sorbetto pattern, 5/8″in. Finish your seams. I zig zag stitched the seams and trimmed the excess fabric.

On to the neckline. Sew the ends of your interfacing together. I used a 1cm (1/2in.) seam allowance. I had intended to use fusible Interfacing on the neckline pieces, but it wouldn’t stick, so I gave up and did a simple zigzag stitch to prevent fraying. Then right sides together, align the interfacing along the neck line and pin. Sew in place. I used a 1/4″ seam allowance, so as not to change the shape of the neck line too much.

Fold right side out and press. Top stitch so that it lays flat.

Tack the interfacing to the shoulder so that it stays put, by sewing a couple of stitches and couple back stitches.

Now, it’s time to sew in the sleeves. You should have 2 sleeves of your tulle fabric. Fold your fabric, right side together and sew the arm seam (5/8″in seam allowance). Finish your hem with a zig-zag stitch and trim the excess fabric.

Place right side of the sleeve to the right side of your top, putting the sleeve inside the armcye, aligning the fabrics and pin. Be sure to align the sleeve seam and your side seam.

Straight stitch in place, then finish your seams and trim the excess fabric.

Turn back to right side and topstich along the edge of the seam.

Hem the sleeves at the length you prefer. I folded over the hem a 1/4 in. twice, pin and stitch closest to the fold. Sew a second seam close to the end of the sleeve, so that the hem lays flat and shoulder seam.